Progress on proposals for the latest stage in a multi-million pound regeneration of a Suffolk resort will be given to residents next week as they are asked for their views on future ideas.

People in Felixstowe will be given an overview of what has been achieved so far – plus details of projects in the pipeline and how the long-term plan all fits together.

In the past few years there has been significant progress with the £4.8million restoration of the Spa Gardens, completion of Martello Park as part of the £25m South Seafront scheme, development of the beachside events area, reopening of the Spa Pavilion, construction and opening of the £3m pier head building, restoration of the Bartlet, and opening of The Fludyers Hotel.

The next raft of ideas includes a new iconic leisure centre, creating a Business Improvement District, new housing and infrastructure, and future ideas for the South Seafront.

Next Friday, July 6, from 1pm to 6pm, a free drop-in event will be held at the Orwell Hotel to update residents with displays and stands, with the opportunity to talk to officers from landowner and leisure provider Suffolk Coastal District Council, coastal community team Felixstowe Forward, and Visit Felixstowe.

Helen Greengrass, Felixstowe Forward change director, said everyone involved welcomed feedback on the future projects and would like to hear other ideas residents might have.

She said: “In the past the annual engagement event in Felixstowe has been limited to businesses and community representatives. This year we felt we needed a different approach because there is so much going on that is important for the future prosperity of the town.

“This will be an opportunity for everyone to find out more and get involved. So please come along and join in.”

People were recently asked what sort of leisure facilities they would like and the next debate will be where they should be sited – and, if a new purpose-built centre is the favourite, what should happen to the Brackenbury Sports Centre and Felixstowe Leisure Centre sites.

The district council’s vision is to use 100 acres of farmland and its own Eastward Ho sports pitches – from the A14 dock spur roundabout to Ferry Road, Old Felixstowe – for a new “gateway” for the town including a state-of-the-art sports centre and homes.

A 16-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries after being stabbed in the car park of a McDonald’s restaurant in Ipswich during a violent fight in front of shocked members of the public, it has been alleged.

Author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz visited Woodbridge to give a talk at Seckford Hall about his life and works. We caught up with him to talk about his home in Orford, his love for Suffolk and how he plans to spend eternity in the county.